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NYAYA DEEPAM: A NEW INITIATIVE FOR FREE LEGAL AID AND AWARENESS

The St. Joseph Province of the Vincentian Congregation, Kottayam, has taken a meaningful step towards social responsibility with the launch of Nyaya Deepam – Free Legal Aid Centre, an initiative aimed at making legal assistance and awareness accessible to everyone, especially the poor and those who cannot afford legal services. Guided by the motto, “Free for the Poor, Accessible to All,” the initiative seeks to bring legal support closer to ordinary people and help them understand and safeguard their rights.

The office of Nyaya Deepam, located at the Provincial House, Kottayam, was inaugurated on Sunday, 08 November 2026, by Very Rev. Fr. Mathew Pothailil VC, Assistant General of the Vincentian Congregation, who formally opened the office by cutting the ribbon. The office was blessed by Rev. Fr. Sebastian Thundathikunnel VC, Provincial Superior of St. Joseph Province.

The inauguration was followed by a formal gathering attended by several dignitaries and well-wishers. Rev. Fr. Thomas Cheruvil VC, Provincial Councillor, welcomed the gathering. The inaugural address was delivered by Adv. Majesh, Joint Secretary of the Kottayam Bar Association, followed by an address by Adv. Sheela Thomas BA LL.M, Chief Legal Consultant of Nyaya Deepam. Felicitation speeches were offered by Rev. Fr. Mathew Pothailil VC, Mr. Jerlin Scariya, Station House Officer, Gandhi Nagar Police Station, Kottayam, Sali K.S., Retired Subedar Major of the Indian Army, and Mr. Roy T.C., Municipal Councillor. Rev. Fr. George Poonattu VC, Provincial Councillor for Social Work, proposed the vote of thanks.

As part of the programme, Rev. Fr. Adv. Sonu Kannamkulam VC conducted a legal awareness class, highlighting the importance of knowing one's legal rights and responsibilities.

Nyaya Deepam will function from the Provincial House office every Saturday, offering free legal consultation and assistance through two advocates: Rev. Fr. Adv. Sonu Kannamkulam MA LL.B and Adv. Sheela Thomas BA LL.M. Through this initiative, the province hopes to make legal guidance more approachable and accessible, particularly to the poor and marginalised.

It is a small but significant step towards ensuring that no one is deprived of legal assistance simply because of financial limitations.